True Love, False Words, Or the Other Way Around?
Honesty is one of the most important traits valued by society, but in reality, one might not be so honest about certain subjects. In William Shakespeare’s comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, many characters turned against their words for money, love, and revenge. Through the series of lies in the plot, Shakespeare explored the theme that one’s words are not always consistent with one’s actions and true feelings. Firstly, there is the false lover Claudio. Upon meeting Hero for the first time, Claudio expresses his feelings towards her in a discussion with Benedick and Don Pedro. “That I love her, I feel.” (1.1. 245) Claudio falls in love with Hero at the first sight, but he lies about it upon learning that Hero is the only heir to Messina. “O, …show more content…
In the beginning of the play, the conflict between Benedick and Beatrice is obvious to everyone. Not only do they argue against each other, they also speak openly against love. During the heated quarrel between Beatrice and Benedick, Beatrice says that “I had rather heard my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me.” (1.1.129-130) Benedick also expresses his anti-love sentiment in a conversation with Claudio and Don Pedro. He says, “And the fine is, for the which I may go finer, I will live a bachelor.” (1.1. 240-42) It would be a miracle if these two, who spoke so strongly against love, would ever fall in love with anyone. Surprisingly, they do, and most ironically, they fall in love with each other. Although the “duping” by Don Pedro and others affects their relationship, their hidden love is the deciding factor. If they do not have any feelings towards each other, they would never fall for the deception. The trick merely acts as a chance for Benedick and Beatrice to openly admit their true feelings. To conclude, Benedick’s and Beatrice’s words against love and actions for love show their
Honesty is one of the most important traits valued by society, but in reality, one might not be so honest about certain subjects. In William Shakespeare’s comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, many characters turned against their words for money, love, and revenge. Through the series of lies in the plot, Shakespeare explored the theme that one’s words are not always consistent with one’s actions and true feelings. Firstly, there is the false lover Claudio. Upon meeting Hero for the first time, Claudio expresses his feelings towards her in a discussion with Benedick and Don Pedro. “That I love her, I feel.” (1.1. 245) Claudio falls in love with Hero at the first sight, but he lies about it upon learning that Hero is the only heir to Messina. “O, …show more content…
In the beginning of the play, the conflict between Benedick and Beatrice is obvious to everyone. Not only do they argue against each other, they also speak openly against love. During the heated quarrel between Beatrice and Benedick, Beatrice says that “I had rather heard my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me.” (1.1.129-130) Benedick also expresses his anti-love sentiment in a conversation with Claudio and Don Pedro. He says, “And the fine is, for the which I may go finer, I will live a bachelor.” (1.1. 240-42) It would be a miracle if these two, who spoke so strongly against love, would ever fall in love with anyone. Surprisingly, they do, and most ironically, they fall in love with each other. Although the “duping” by Don Pedro and others affects their relationship, their hidden love is the deciding factor. If they do not have any feelings towards each other, they would never fall for the deception. The trick merely acts as a chance for Benedick and Beatrice to openly admit their true feelings. To conclude, Benedick’s and Beatrice’s words against love and actions for love show their